CELTIC just couldn’t lose the breathtaking moment Kyogo Furuhashi belted the ball into the Inverness Caley Thistle net.
The Japanese striker displayed his uncanny anticipation electric reflexes as he materialised in the penalty box to whip a right-wing cross from Matt O’Riley high past helpless Mark Ridgers.
That lightning strike from Kyogo just seven minutes from the interval opened the way to the Hoops sealing a memorable domestic clean sweep and a world record eighth treble.
WHAM…Kyogo Furuhashi thunders in the opening goal as Celtic hurtle into the history books.
That solitary moment of the 28-year-old international’s predatory instincts must have eased the tension in the Hampden stands with the Hoops failing to ignite in the Scottish Cup Final against Billy Dodds’ battling Highlanders.
However, the burden was lifted the moment the ball nestled in the net and talismanic Kyogo took off in celebration of his 34th goal of the campaign – and his 54th in two seasons since his bargain £4.6million arrival from J-League outfit Vissel Kobe in July 2021 as one of Ange Postecoglou’s first recruits in the manager’s amazing revamp of a faltering first-team squad.
It was a national stadium action replay from the pacy raider who had scored in his previous two Cup Finals – doubles in the League Cup wins over Hibs and Michael Beale’s Ibrox side, both ending in 2-1 victories for the Parkhead men.
Reflecting on his unstoppable strike against the Championship side, Kyogo beamed: “It felt fantastic. Once Matt O’Riley ran through, I knew exactly what would happen next.
TREBLE YELL…Kyogo Furuhashi holds aloft the Scottish Cup as he celebrates in front of the delighted fans at Hampden.
“We have a good relationship, I trust him and he trusts me, so I just ran there and he gave me the ball and it was a goal.
“We worked hard every day and this is the outcome of our hard work. I cannot express in any other words other than it is unbelievable.”
Kyogo, who has claimed in 54 goals in 71 appearances, saw second-half strikes from Liel Abada and Filipe Jota make sure the silverware would again be bedecked in green and white ribbons.
The crowdpleaser, speaking to Celtic TV, added: “We worked hard, so that’s why we could have such an incredible season.
“We were united and that’s the key to achieving such big things.
“It’s not just me, we ALL get the support from the fans and supporters and I’m very happy.
“That comes out and into our performances, so, personally speaking, I want to see the supporters’ smiles and I’m very happy to score the goals for them and to win.”
